Glad tidings to all here in our slice of paradise.

Well, some good news regarding border openings and welcoming back some overseas visitors. I know many will be waiting for this arrival and let's all hope for a good ski season bringing a good level of visitors wanting to spend their money here in Wānaka.

So, what have your blue team been up to this week?

Well, we have had a few driving matters to deal with, one being a person who was suspended from driving and caught driving again. The person refused to give any details when stopped and was arrested. With the person’s identity confirmed they will now be facing a charge of failing to provide details as well as driving while suspended.

A crash in Hāwea on Saturday night has left a young person quite shaken and with some minor injuries. After travelling too fast they have reached to change music on their phone and lost control of the car, going off the road and into a tree before rolling. Saving grace was they had a seat belt on.

On a side note, to this, when the person's partner turned up, they failed to mention they were Covid-19 positive and put all attending emergency staff at risk.

On a concerning note, we had a young schoolgirl pushed off her bike while on the way to school last week. The offender is described as a caucasian male aged about 40. This happened on Mt Linton Avenue and Aubrey Road and police would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this as it has been a frightening experience for the young girl. This behaviour is unacceptable, and we would like to dearly hold this person to account for his actions.

A family harm episode during the week has resulted in a male being arrested and held in custody facing a charge of assault of a person in a family relationship.

We have been out and about with our road policing duties this week and happy to say most people stopped for alcohol checks have passed or been well under the limit which is a pleasing position to be reporting. Only two people received an infringement notice for being over the limit.

We are however continuing with our focus on distractions such as cell phone usage and seatbelt wearing compliance. We will be out and about checking these vigorously, so please refrain from using your phone and wear your seat belt as it may well save your life or someone elses.

With the price of petrol on the increase, there is additional risk of petrol thefts. It’s a good time to review your security if you have a rural supply, and of course locking that car so they can’t access the petrol cap.

Also tip of the week, with gas prices being so high and adding extra cost to the living expenses, save yourself money and gas by lifting your right foot a couple of millimetres while driving. This will undoubtably save gas and will also probably stop you from getting a speeding ticket, so win win all round.

Well, that’s all for this week folks, stay safe and enjoy the good weather while it is still around.